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ATLANTA…Â鶹´«Ã½ today announced it will observe Kenya's national, state, and local elections Dec. 27. Former Zambia President Kenneth Kaunda and former U.S. Ambassador Gordon Streeb, associate executive director of the Center's peace programs, will lead the Center's delegation of 27 observers.

"These elections are critically important since they mark the succession to Daniel Arap Moi's 24 years as president," Streeb said. "Given the political intimidation and violence reported in Kenya's previous elections, and the participation of a unified opposition in the December elections, there is a strong international interest in these elections. Â鶹´«Ã½, along with other international and domestic observers, hopes the political parties, their supporters, election authorities, and police will work to ensure these elections are conducted in a tolerant and peaceful manner."

The delegation will arrive in Kenya shortly before election day to receive briefings in Nairobi before deployment throughout the country to observe polling day. On election day, they will witness poll openings, voting, and vote counting at polling stations and transportation of the ballot boxes to the constituency counting centers. They also will remain in Kenya for several weeks after the elections to observe the post-election period.

Â鶹´«Ã½'s mission is funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The Center has observed more than 40 elections on four continents.

Founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, Â鶹´«Ã½ is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization committed to advancing peace and health worldwide.

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